CHAMPAIGN, Ill., 3/27/24:  The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) is collecting data within the Upper, Middle, and Lower Kaskaskia River watersheds as part of a multiple-phase hydrologic and hydraulic study to help local communities identify areas of high flood risk for flood mitigation planning. 

Results from the new study will be used to update the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Studies (FIS), which typically depict the 1% and 0.2% annual-chance floodplains.

ISWS is working collaboratively on the project with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources-Office of Water Resources (IDNR-OWR) and FEMA.

The first phase of the project, data collection, is anticipated to begin this month and be completed in fall 2024. In this phase, surveyors will conduct detailed channel and bridge surveys of the Kaskaskia River mainstem and tributaries in the following counties and their respective communities: Clinton County (Wamac), Fayette County (Brownstown, Farina, La Clede, St. Elmo, St. Peter, and Vandalia), Shelby County (Moweaqua, Oconee, Pana, Shelbyville, and Tower Hill) and Washington County (Oakdale, Okawville, Nashville, New Minden, Richview, and Wamac). Some of the survey work will be performed in the rural areas of each county.

Residents should be aware of the periodic presence of survey crews in the area.  Surveys will be completed as stream conditions and weather allow.

Questions about the study can be directed to Aaron Thomas at the Illinois State Water Survey, (abthomas@illinois.edu) 217-333-7832.
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Media Contact: Aaron Thomas, P.E., CFM, 217-333-7832, abthomas@illinois.edu